White Lies (The Arcane Society #2)(13)
Author: Jayne Ann Krentz

Despite the risks, however, it seemed that in every generation some power-hungry sensitive came along who would stop at nothing to re-create the founder’s formula. Whenever that happened it was understood that it was J&J’s job to deal with the problem.

In some instances, the person intent on obtaining the formula was merely an unbalanced eccentric or someone who had become fixated on the legend of Sylvester Jones. Generally speaking such individuals did not get far before J&J stepped in to deal with the problem.

But this latest situation was different. The information that had filtered in thus far suggested that they were dealing with a highly disciplined, carefully structured, utterly ruthless organization. In fact it had all the earmarks of a full-blown conspiracy along the lines of the First Cabal.

The cabal was another Arcane Society legend, and, like the story of the founder’s formula, it was based on more than a nugget of truth. The original conspiracy formed in the late 1800s. Its goal was to take control of the Society and, using it as a base of power, to extend its tentacles into the highest levels of business and government in the UK.

The shadowy outlines of this new, modern conspiracy had been revealed over the past few months. At least two Arcane Society lab researchers had disappeared under suspicious circumstances. Their bodies had never been found. A month ago a technician who worked in an Arcane Society facility turned up dead. Just over two weeks later, a trusted informant was killed in a car crash.

In addition, Fallon was certain that some of the Society’s carefully guarded computer files had been hacked into by someone who was very good when it came to not leaving tracks.

The new conspiracy appeared to be centered on the West Coast. That meant that he was in charge of stopping it. He had a dozen agents working on various leads but he desperately needed a break. His best hope at the moment was Jake.

The arrival of Clare Lancaster was not a good thing.

Chapter Seven

Clare closed the lid of her laptop, got up from the chair and went to the balcony door. The slider did not want to move in its metal track. Eventually she was able to force it open. It made a harsh grating, grinding sound as it retreated, fighting her every inch of the way. She had a hunch the noise carried to the room next door.

She went out onto the narrow balcony and stood looking down into the murky pool.

According to what she had just learned from her online search, Jake Salter was exactly what he claimed to be: a successful pension-and-benefits consultant. She had found a few pieces and a brief profile on him in the financial press.

There was also a small reference to a marriage that ended in divorce after less than a year.

She remembered the little frissons of energy that had whispered across the nape of her neck during the drive back to the Desert Dawn Motel.

Unlike most people, Jake didn’t just tell lies. He was living a lie.

Chapter Eight

The cell phone rang just as Clare emerged from the shower. She tried to wrap one of the paper-thin towels around herself and discovered that it wasn’t long enough. She used it to dry a hand and picked up the phone.

“It’s me,” Elizabeth said. “Are you up for breakfast?”

“Sounds like a very good idea,” Clare said. “I’m a little hungry after my late-night swim.”

“I heard about that. I’m pretty sure everyone at the party knows what happened. Saw what Valerie did to your car, too. Dad said that Jake took you back to the hotel last night.”

“That’s right.”

“Look, since you don’t have your car, why don’t I drive out there to the airport and pick you up? We can have breakfast at one of the resorts on Camelback Road. Afterward I’ll take you out to Stone Canyon so you can deal with the rental car situation.”

Clare surveyed the seedy-looking motel room. She really did not want Elizabeth seeing the Desert Dawn Motel. Jake’s reaction last night had been bad enough. Her sister would be downright horrified.

“I can get a cab,” she said quickly.

“Forget it. Let’s see, it’s seven-thirty now. Rush hour. Going to take a while to get out to the airport. See you in about an hour.”

Clare sighed. “I’m not at the airport.”

There was a short, startled pause.

Elizabeth cleared her throat. “Uh, don’t tell me you wound up at Jake Salter’s house last night?”

“No.” Clare felt the heat rise in her cheeks. “For Pete’s sake, Liz, whatever made you think I went home with Jake? I just met him. You know that.”

“Okay, okay, take it easy,” Elizabeth said. “I was just asking. Didn’t mean to upset you.”

“I’m not upset.”

“Right. So, if you’re not at Jake’s house and you’re not at an airport hotel, just where the heck are you?”

“Things have been a little tight lately,” Clare said. “Let’s just say that I’m staying at a budget establishment.”

“Dad asked you to come down here to Arizona. Didn’t he pay your way?”

“He offered,” Clare admitted.

Elizabeth groaned. “You, of course, turned him down. I swear, you’re as stubborn as he is, you know that? All right, give me the address of this ‘budget establishment.’”

“It’s a dump,” Elizabeth declared.

“It’s not a dump,” Clare said.

“It’s a dump,” Elizabeth repeated flatly.

She had known Elizabeth would be horrified by the Desert Dawn Motel, Clare reminded herself. The only hope was to try to change the subject.

They were eating breakfast on the outdoor dining terrace of one of the luxurious golf course resorts near Scottsdale. The tiered swimming pools and the unnaturally green expanse of the course beyond gave an illusion of balmy comfort. In reality, although it was only eight forty-five in the morning, the heat was building fast. It would have been uncomfortable sitting outside had it not been for the awning, the overhead fans and the misters that spewed forth a cloud of tiny water drops that evaporated almost immediately.

“Are you sure I can’t convince you to stay at Mom and Dad’s place?” Elizabeth asked one more time.

“No,” Clare said.

“I’ll be there, don’t forget.”

“It wouldn’t be fair to Myra. I cause her enough stress as it is.”

Elizabeth made a face, acknowledging the truth of that statement without words.

“Stop worrying,” Clare said. “I’m fine where I am. I’ll only be in town for one more night, anyway. No big deal.”